Learn what SMTP is, how it works, and why it's essential for sending emails — especially when hosting your website with Essex Web Hosts. Quick Tip: SMTP might sound technical, but it’s just the “postman” that delivers your emails from one inbox to another. What's Inside ✅ What SMTP stands for ✅ Why SMTP is important ✅ How SMTP works (in plain English) ✅ SMTP settings for Essex Web Hosts ✅ Common email issues SMTP helps solve Step-by-Step Explanation 1. What does SMTP stand for? SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It’s the standard method used to send emails across the internet — like Royal Mail, but for digital messages. 2. Why do I need SMTP? Without SMTP, your emails wouldn’t know how to get from your website or email client to someone else’s inbox. It ensures your messages are sent reliably and securely. 3. How does SMTP actually work? When you send an email, SMTP acts as a post office: it picks up your message, checks the address, and delivers it to the recipient’s mail server. From there, the person’s email app picks it up using something like IMAP or POP3. 4. SMTP Settings for Essex Web Hosts If you're hosting with Essex Web Hosts, you’ll typically use the following SMTP settings: SMTP Server: mail.yourdomain.co.uk SMTP Port: 465 (SSL) or 587 (TLS) Authentication: Yes (use your full email address and password) Encryption: SSL/TLS recommended 5. SMTP helps solve common email issues Problems like emails not sending, landing in spam, or failing to connect are often due to incorrect SMTP settings. Using the right SMTP server makes email delivery faster and more reliable. Final Tips from Essex Web Hosts Always double-check your SMTP settings if emails aren’t sending. Use SSL/TLS for extra email security and delivery success. Still stuck? Raise a support ticket — we’re here to help 24/7. Need Help? Contact Essex Web Hosts Support